Human Resources Manager

Berger Schatz; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

Berger Schatz, a respected Chicago-area law firm, seeks a hands-on HR Manager to lead human resources and facilities for the Chicago and Lake Forest offices. This role reports to a member of the Executive Committee and oversees the employee lifecycle.

The ideal candidate combines HR expertise with strong leadership, discretion, and confidentiality, and has experience in a professional services setting, law firm preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in HR or related field.
• 6+ years progressive HR experience.
• 4+ years of direct people-management experience.
• Law firm experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the Firm’s primary HR resource and trusted advisor to leadership and employees.
• Oversee the complete employee lifecycle: recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, development, performance, engagement, retention, and offboarding.
• Provide guidance on HR policies, benefits, workplace concerns, and employment-related matters.
• Serve as primary contact for employee relations, handling sensitive matters with discretion and confidentiality.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Maintain confidential personnel records and HRIS information.
• Oversee Office Services and facilities for Chicago and Lake Forest offices; coordinate with vendors.

Education

Bachelor's degree in Human Resources or related field

6+ years progressive HR experience

4+ years of direct people-management experience

Law firm experience preferred

Job description

The Human Resources (HR) Manager reports directly to a member of the Executive Committee.This is a highly visible, hands-on position responsible for managing the HR function and Facilities for the firm.This role is responsible for the employee lifecycle, supporting a positive and collaborative workplace environment, and the facilities for the Chicago and Lake Forest office.

The role requires a strong combination of HR expertise, leadership ability, sound judgment, and exceptional interpersonal skills. A successful candidate will be proactive and approachable, with the ability to build trusted relationships throughout the Firm while maintaining professionalism, discretion, and confidentiality.

Key Responsibilities

Human Resources & Employee Experience

• Serve as the Firm’s primary Human Resources resource and trusted advisor to firm leadership and employees.
• Oversee the complete employee lifecycle, including recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, employee development, performance management, engagement, retention, and offboarding.
• Provide timely and thoughtful guidance to employees regarding HR policies, benefits, workplace concerns, and other employment-related matters.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for employee relations issues and workplace concerns, handling sensitive matters with sound judgment, discretion, and confidentiality.
• Develop, implement, and maintain HR policies, procedures, and best practices.
• Maintain accurate and confidential personnel records and HRIS information.

Employee Engagement

• Help shape and strengthen a positive, professional and collaborative Firm culture.
• Develop practical initiatives that improve employee engagement, morale, communication and retention.
• Serve as a visible and approachable presence throughout the Firm and build strong relationships with attorneys and staff.
• Regularly assess employee needs and feedback and make recommendations to firm leadership regarding opportunities to improve the employee experience.
• Organize Firm social events, employee appreciation activities and other programs that encourage connection and engagement.
• Directly manage all Firm support staff, including Administrative Assistants, Paralegals, and Office Services personnel.
• Provide day-to-day leadership, direction, coaching and support to the support staff.
• Oversee staffing needs, workload distribution, scheduling, coverage, and performance.
• Establish clear expectations and provide ongoing feedback and coaching.
• Administer annual and ongoing performance evaluation processes for support staff.
• Identify training and professional development opportunities to enhance support staff capabilities.
• Promote teamwork, accountability, professionalism, and a service-oriented approach among support staff.
• Evaluate staffing needs and recommend changes to improve efficiency and service to attorneys and clients.
• Manage recruiting for support staff positions, including developing job descriptions, sourcing candidates, screening applicants, coordinating interviews, and facilitating hiring decisions.
• Partner directly with firm leadership to identify staffing needs and recruit qualified candidates.
• Coordinate a professional and welcoming onboarding experience for all new employees.
• Ensure new employees receive appropriate orientation, training, policies, technology, benefits information, and resources.

Benefits & HR Administration

• Administer employee benefit enrollments, changes, questions, and terminations.
• Serve as the primary employee contact for benefit-related questions
• Manage HRIS systems and ensure employee information is accurate and current.
• Maintain required employment records and documentation.

Compliance & Employee Relations

• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.
• Stay current on employment law developments and recommend appropriate changes to Firm policies and practices.
• Handle employee relations matters fairly, consistently, and confidentially.
• Counsel firm leadership regarding employee performance, workplace issues, and employment practices.
• Maintain appropriate documentation relating to employee relations and performance matters.

Office Operations & Facilities

• Oversee Office Services and day-to-day office operations to ensure the Chicago and Lake Forest office runs efficiently and professionally.
• Manage office support functions, including scheduling, coverage, supplies, vendors, facilities, and related administrative needs.
• Coordinate facilities-related projects and work with building management and outside vendors as needed.
• Demonstrated success in Human Resources within a professional services organization; law firm experience strongly preferred.
• Strong leadership and people-management skills, with demonstrated experience directly managing employees.
• Strong employee relations skills and the ability to handle sensitive situations with maturity, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Demonstrated ability to foster employee engagement and contribute to a positive workplace culture.
• Proactive, self-directed, and comfortable working independently as the Firm’s primary HR professional.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Outstanding verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to build credibility and strong working relationships with attorneys, staff, and firm leadership.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work effectively under pressure.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, discretion, and confidentiality.

Qualifications & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6+ years of progressive Human Resources experience.
• 4+ years of direct people-management experience.
• Experience working in a professional services environment required; law firm experience preferred.
• Demonstrated experience in employee relations, performance management, recruiting, benefits administration, and employee engagement.
• Working knowledge of applicable federal, state, and local employment laws and regulations.